Archery Game

ABSTRACT

An archery game and related methods of playing an archery game including a plurality of targets wherein the targets each include an out of bounds ring, a par dot, a bogey dot, and an eagle dot. The archery game further includes a calling cone with three sides, and wherein each side corresponds to the par dot, the bogey dot, and the eagle dot. The archery game also includes an archery range wherein the range further includes a plurality of at least 30-inch bales, at least one archery bow, and a plurality of arrows. The archer wins the archery game if their score is the lowest after at least one round wherein the archer shoots one arrow during each round.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/801,404, filed on Feb. 5, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The technology described herein relates to a new archery game based upon the basic rules and terminology of a basic golf game modified for use with a bow and arrow. The new archery game involves a risk and reward method of scoring as archers move from target to target and may be played indoors or outdoors. The archery game described herein may be played at any archery club, archery range, archery event, etc.

BACKGROUND

Both archery and golf are popular pastimes and activities. There have been several attempts to combine archery with other sports such as golf and baseball. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,505,524 describes a new version of archery golf that uses a bow apparatus that can project balls into cups. Relatedly, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/008,706 describes a baseball-like archery game that requires positioning archery targets in a plurality of positions on a field corresponding to defensive positions of baseball players in a baseball game, and having players on an offensive shoot arrows from the home plate area toward the archery targets, thereby accruing single, double, triple, or home-run “hits” depending on which target is hit. However, both games require the use of actual golf courses or baseball diamonds or fields. The present disclosure eliminates the need for actual golfing facilities by establishing a unique target set with golf-like scoring that can be used at an indoor or outdoor archery range. The present disclosure also provides a corresponding set of rules to conduct the archery game for entertainment and for the improvement of archery skills.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an archery game and related method of playing the archery game that includes a plurality of targets. The targets may include an out of bounds ring, a par dot, a bogey dot, and an eagle dot, each of which are worth a varying amount of points if hit by an archer's arrow in the game. In some embodiments, the game may include a “calling cone” that includes three sides, and each side corresponds to either the par dot, the bogey dot, or the eagle dot. In other examples, the archery game includes an archery range wherein the range further includes a plurality of at least 30 inch bales for use as a backstop or barrier to stop the archer's arrows when fired at the targets. In other examples, the archery game includes at least one archery bow and a plurality of arrows. In some examples, the plurality of targets are three-dimensional or two-dimensional. In still other examples, that targets of the archery game may include an out of bounds ring that has a diameter of 20 cm, 35 cm, 50 cm, and/or 65 cm. In yet other examples, the archery game may be played in an indoor or outdoor archery range. In still other examples, the archery game may be played using digital or simulated targets on a digital display at an electronic or simulated archery range.

In other embodiments, the archery game may be played by shooting arrows from an archery bow that is a recurve bow, a reflex bow, a self bow, a longbow, a flatbow, a composite bow, a takedown bow, a compound bow, a crossbow, or combinations of the like. In yet other examples, the archery range may be a mobile range that can be transported to different locations and venues.

In yet other embodiments, a method of playing the archery game is described herein. For example, a method of playing the archery game described herein requires that during a turn, archers shoot one arrow per target and, prior to taking the shot, the archers position the calling cone according to a selected scoring dot they intend to shoot. In other examples, the archers may verbally select the dot they intend to shoot before taking their shot in lieu of positioning the calling cone. In some example methods, the default scoring dot may be the par dot if the archer fails to select a scoring dot with the calling cone or fails to verbally select the dot they intend to shoot. In some examples, the archer may let down and reposition the calling cone or verbally select a different scoring dot prior to shooting if the archer desires to change his initial shot selection. In still other example methods, if the archer shoots the arrow without positioning the calling cone or verbally selecting the dot they intend to shoot, the score is based on a last position of the calling cone if a “play it as it lays” rule and scoring is applied.

In the preferred embodiment, the archer wins the archery game if their score is the lowest after at least one round in which the archer shoots one arrow during each round. In some examples, the archery game is scored and calculated according to the following point values of the targets: a par dot hit will score 0 and a miss of the par dot will score +1; a birdie dot hit will score −1 and a miss on the birdie dot will score +2; an eagle dot hit will score −2 and a miss on the eagle dot will score +3; arrows hitting outside of the out of bounds ring will be score +5; and arrows hitting off the target will be score +10. In still other examples, a shoot off to determine the final winner of the game may include the top 5 scoring archers that will shoot 5 targets at varying distances, and a tie breaker may include a sudden death shoot off. In other examples, the target par dot size for a given distance is in accordance with the National Field Archery Association (NFAA) dot size requirement for the specific distance. In some examples, the archery game may be conducted at an archery range that is from about 2-80 yards in length and the archery game may further include at least four targets.

In yet another embodiment, one or more non-transitory computer-readable media having instructions stored thereon associated with an archery game is disclosed that includes instructions for a digital target and the digital target may be an archery range target. In one example, the instructions, when executed, cause at least one computing device to output for display a digital target wherein the target includes an out of bounds ring, a par dot, a bogey dot, and an eagle dot, provides a user interface, permits an individual to shoot an arrow at the digital target for a scoring, and calculate a score based upon a hit location of the arrow. In some examples, the instructions provide that a par dot hit will score 0 and a miss of the par dot will score +1; a birdie dot hit will score −1 and a miss on the birdie dot will score +2; an eagle dot hit will score −2 and a miss on the eagle dot will score +3; arrows hitting outside of the out of bounds ring will be score +5; arrows hitting off the target will be score +10. In still other examples, the instructions allow the determination of a winner based upon the archer with the lowest calculated score.

Further features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention will become more fully apparent in the following description of embodiments and drawings thereof, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an archery game.

FIG. 1 depicts an example archery target used in the archery game described herein. The example archery target may be used at a distance of 4-19 yards.

FIG. 2 depicts an example archery target used in the archery game described herein. The example archery target may be used at a distance of 20-30 yards.

FIG. 3 depicts an example archery target used in the archery game described herein. The example archery target may be used at a distance of 31-60 yards.

FIG. 4 depicts an example archery target used in the archery game described herein. The example archery target may be used at a distance of 63-80 yards.

Further features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention will become more fully apparent in the following description of embodiments and drawings thereof, and from the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an archery game and related method of playing the archery game that includes a plurality of targets. The targets may include an out of bounds ring, a par dot, a bogey dot, and an eagle dot, each of which are worth a varying amount of points if hit by an archer's arrow in the game. The archery game requires that archers shoot at targets in accordance with targets and rules based on the basic scoring rules of golf, and involves risk and reward scoring as archers move from target to target either indoors or outdoors. Any archery club/range/event having a field range with a minimum of 30″ bales can play the archery game disclosed herein year round without any need for additional bales or course set up beyond that what is needed to meet the basic rules of the archery game.

As depicted in FIGS. 1-4, the archery game may be played with a plurality of targets, or at least four targets. In some examples, a single target may be used to play the game, or any number of targets from 1-4, or 2-5, or 2-10 targets may be used to play the game. The targets 200, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, may include four basic ring or point structures for the tabulation of scoring. Par dot 202 is based upon the par scoring associated with golf. For scoring purposes, an archer that calls and hits the par dot may receive a par score of zero. Likewise, if the archer misses the called par dot as the target dot of choice, the archer will be penalized or score a +1. Again, the archer's goal is to minimize his score, as the winner is the archer with the least amount of points. This follows the basic scoring structure of gold in which the winner is the golfer with the least amount of strokes.

FIGS. 1-4 also depict a birdie dot 204 with a score value of −1 if the archer calls and hits the birdie dot. Again, this is similar to the “birdie” in golf in which the golfer completes a hole one stroke under par. If the archer calls and missed the birdie dot, the archer is penalized +2 points. The target 200 may also include an eagle dot 206 worth −2 if the archer calls and hits the eagle dot, or the archer is penalized +3 points if he misses the eagle dot. The lower the value of the target dots, the smaller the diameter of the target dots and the increased skill required to shoot an arrow into the respective dot. Again, part of the enjoyment of the disclosed archery game is the archer's risk at selecting a particular target dot to shoot and the reward of a successful archery shot. The reward is offset by the risk of missing the called target dot and related penalty. The target 200 also includes an out of bounds ring 208. If the archer shoots and the arrow strikes the target outside the out of bounds ring 208, the archer is penalized +5 points. If the archer misses the target completely, the archer is penalized +10 points.

In one particular example, a single archer may play himself and keep score to determine a personal best in consecutive game play. Like golf, the archer may play 9 rounds or holes, or the archer may play 18 rounds or holes. The archer can record his score from game to game and try to minimize his score each game. In still other examples, the archer may play one round, or at least four rounds, shooting each target at least once. In still other examples, at least two archers play each other. The archers play at least one round and the lowest score wins that round. The total score may be tabulated after any and all rounds of archery are completed and the scores calculated. Again, the archer with the lowest score, like golf, wins the game.

In some example games, the targets may be three-dimensional target constructed of foam, plastic, hay, or other material suitable for archery. In other examples, the target may be two-dimensional such as a poster, cardboard, or other paper product with an image of the boundaries and dots on the target. Further, the two-dimensional target may include photographic images of different golf course holes from famous or popular golf courses throughout the world. In another example, the archery game includes at least four target sets for use at a range of 4-19 yards, 20-30 yards, 31-60 yards, and 63-80 yards. The different dot diameters may be standarized in accordance with the target size regulations determined by the National Field Archery Association (NFAA). In some examples, the out of bounds ring 208 may be 20 cm, 35 cm, 50 cm, or 65 cm. In other examples the out of bounds ring may be 20 cm on a target used at 4-19 yards, 35 cm on a target used at 20-30 yards, 50 cm on a target used at 31-60 yards, and 65 cm on a target used at 63-80 yards.

In some examples, the archery game may be played at an indoor range, an outdoor range, or at a virtual/digital indoor range in which the targets are projected on a digital screen and archery range. The targets may be digitally displayed and the targets may include the same components shown in FIGS. 1-4, but in a digital format. Further, the digital and computerized range may provide automatic scoring and score computations to expedite and simplify conduct of the game. The computerized target range and digital target display may include a sensor to determine the precise location on the target where the arrow hits and the corresponding dot score.

As previously discussed, in some examples, the archer may verbally call out his desired dot that he is attempting to shoot. In other examples, the archer may use a device called a calling cone that includes three sides that corresponds to either the par, birdie, or eagle dots. The calling cone may be plastic, metal, or other composite. In some examples, the other competitors may call the other archer's dots, or the calling cone may be rolled like a die to randomly determine what dot the archer must target. In some examples, a computerized calling cone may be used in which the archer selects via computer input what dot he chooses for his turn or the computer may randomly determine what dot the archer must target.

In some examples, the archers may use a variety of bow and arrows such as a recurve bow, a reflex bow, a self bow, a longbow, a flatbow, a composite bow, a takedown bow, a compound bow, a crossbow, or various combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, a method of playing the archery game of this disclosure is defined by a specific set of rules. In one basic example, the archers must play in accordance with the following rules:

-   -   Archers will shoot 1 arrow per target.     -   Archers will “call” the scoring dot they intend to shoot before         taking their shot via the 3-sided “calling cone” with identified         sides correlating with the target dot colors and values.     -   If the “calling cone” is not used the default “called dot” will         be the par dot. In this circumstance, the archer may verbally         “call” the dot they intend to shoot with the scorer for the         group of archers playing the game.     -   Archers can let down and change the “calling cone” and/or their         dot “call.” Standard archery event let down and time rules may         still apply.     -   “Play it as it lays”—If an archer shoots their arrow without         “calling” their dot the archer must score based on what dot the         “calling cone” is set for.

In other embodiments, a method of playing the archery game of this disclosure is defined with a specific set of scoring rules. In one example, the archers must play using the following scoring:

-   -   At the end of an event or round of the archery game the lowest         score wins.     -   If an event chooses to have a “shoot off” with the top 5 scoring         archers the same scoring will apply including “calling cone”         guidelines described above.     -   Shoot offs will be 5 targets at varying distances.     -   In the event of a tie after 5 shoot off holes, there will be a         hole for hole sudden death shoot off.     -   The par dot for any given distance is in line with NFAA dot size         requirements for that particular distance.     -   Par dot hit will score 0 points. A miss of the par dot will         score as +1.     -   Birdie dot hit will score −1. A miss on the birdie dot will         score as +2.     -   Eagle dot hit will score −2. A miss on the eagle dot will score         +3.     -   Arrows hitting outside of the white (out of bounds) line will be         scored as +5 points.     -   Arrows hitting off the target will be scored as +10 points.     -   There are 4 scoring faces varying in size for predetermined         yardage ranges from 2-80 yards.

Specific elements of any of the foregoing embodiments can be combined or substituted for elements in other embodiments. Furthermore, while advantages associated with certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described in the context of these embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the disclosure. 

1. An archery game comprising: a plurality of targets wherein the targets include an out of bounds ring, a par dot, a bogey dot, and an eagle dot; a calling cone wherein the calling cone further includes three sides, and wherein each side corresponds to the par dot, the bogey dot, and the eagle dot; an archery range wherein the range further includes a plurality of at least 30 inch bales; at least one archery bow; and a plurality of arrows.
 2. The archery game of claim 1, wherein the plurality of targets are three-dimensional.
 3. The archery game of claim 1, wherein the plurality of targets are two-dimensional.
 4. The archery game of claim 1, wherein the out of bounds ring has a diameter of 20 cm, 35 cm, 50 cm, or 65 cm.
 5. The archery game of claim 1, wherein the archery range is indoors.
 6. The archery game of claim 1, wherein the archery range is outdoors.
 7. The archery game of claim 1, wherein the archery range further includes a digital display and wherein the plurality of targets are digital images projected on the digital display.
 8. The archery game of claim 1, wherein the archery bow is a recurve bow, a reflex bow, a self bow, a longbow, a flatbow, a composite bow, a takedown bow, a compound bow, or a crossbow.
 9. The archery game of claim 1, wherein the archery range is mobile.
 10. A method of playing the archery game of claim 1, wherein during a turn archers shoot one arrow per target wherein prior to taking a shot the archers position the calling cone according to a selected scoring dot they intend to shoot or the archer may verbally select the dot they intend to shoot before taking their shot.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the default scoring dot is the par dot if the archer fails to select a scoring dot with the calling cone or fails to verbally select the dot they intend to shoot.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the archer may let down and reposition the calling cone or verbally select a different scoring dot prior to shooting.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein if the archer shoots the arrow without positioning the calling cone or verbally selecting the dot they intend to shoot, the score is based on a last position of the calling cone if play it as it lays is applied.
 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the archer wins the archery game if their score is the lowest after at least one round wherein the archer shoots one arrow during each round.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein scoring calculation includes: wherein a par dot hit will score 0 and a miss of the par dot will score +1; wherein a birdie dot hit will score −1 and a miss on the birdie dot will score +2; wherein an eagle dot hit will score −2 and a miss on the eagle dot will score +3; wherein arrows hitting outside of the out of bounds ring will be score +5; and wherein arrows hitting off the target will be score +10.
 17. The method of claim 10, wherein a shoot off comprises a top 5 scoring archers wherein archers shoot 5 targets at varying distances, and wherein a tie breaker comprises a sudden death shoot off.
 18. The method of claim 10, wherein a par dot size for a given distance is in accordance with a NFAA dot size requirement for the distance.
 19. The method of claim 10, wherein the archery range is from about 2-80 yards, and the archery game further includes at least four targets.
 20. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media having instructions stored thereon associated with an archery game including a digital target wherein the digital target is an archery range target, that, when executed, cause at least one computing device to: output for display a digital target wherein the target include an out of bounds ring, a par dot, a bogey dot, and an eagle dot; provide a user interface; permit an individual to shoot an arrow at the digital target for a score; calculate the score based upon a hit location of the arrow comprising: wherein a par dot hit will score 0 and a miss of the par dot will score +1; wherein a birdie dot hit will score −1 and a miss on the birdie dot will score +2; wherein an eagle dot hit will score −2 and a miss on the eagle dot will score +3; wherein arrows hitting outside of the out of bounds ring will be score +5; wherein arrows hitting off the target will be score +10; and determining a winner based upon the archer with the lowest calculated score. 